How does Keke Coutee impact the Houston Texans depth chart?

The Texans did not have to wait long for their first pick of Day Three, taking Texas Tech wideout Keke Coutee early in the fourth round. Coutee has an ability to get vertical with 4.43 speed, and collected over 1400 yards last year in the Red Raiders’ high-powered spread offense. He can also contribute as a return man.

The selection of Coutee does not bode well for the future of Braxton Miller. Coutee is likely a slot receiver for Houston, potentially taking over the role the team had hoped Miller could fill when they took the former Ohio State quarterback in the third round two seasons ago. Miller has not really developed and was usurped by Bruce Ellington in the starting slot role last year. Ellington returns for 2018, but it makes sense that the Texans would target a long-term slot wideout.

Coutee is a dynamic athlete underneath but excels down the field with the speed to take the top off a defense. With Will Fuller and DeAndre Hopkins complementing each other well on the outside, Coutee gives Houston another game breaker for Deshaun Watson to target. In Fuller, Coutee and Sammie Coates, Houston has three wide receivers who can challenge deep, and Watson is perfectly capable of getting the ball there.

Miller’s roster spot is no certainty, and Ellington could lose out too. Coutee’s prowess in the return game is a welcome addition, too, with incumbent Tyler Ervin coming off of a patellar tear and having not truly grasped the role with two hands since arriving in Houston in 2016. Keke Coutee could open the season as the starting return man and primary slot receiver for the Texans and thus offers good value in the fourth round.

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